Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4125th meeting, 7 Apr. 2000, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in Afghanistan"]

Expresses its deep concern at the reports that both parties to the conflict are preparing for renewed large-scale fighting and recalls its repeated demands that the Afghan parties cease fighting; recalls its demand that the parties, in particular the Taliban, resume negotiations under UN auspices without delay and preconditions in full compliance with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Council; strongly condemns the Taliban for the repeated forced entries on 26, 27 and 29 Mar. 2000 by its armed groups into and searches of the UN premises in Kandahar and for the intimidation of UN personnel; stresses its grave concern at the human rights situation in Afghanistan, which is unacceptable; calls upon all States to take resolute measures to prohibit their military personnel from planning and participating in combat operations in Afghanistan; welcomes the appointment of a new Personal Representative of the Secretary-General and the activities of the UN Special Mission to Afghanistan (UNSMA) to facilitate a political process aimed at achieving a lasting political settlement to the conflict and supports the phased deployment of the UNSMA Civil Affairs Unit inside Afghanistan, as the security conditions permit; stresses the need for prompt and effective implementation by all Member States of the measures imposed by its resolution 1267 (1999).

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Statement made on behalf of the Security Council at the 4125th meeting, 7 Apr. 2000.